Environment Agency chair's 'sympathy' after floods

The chairman of the Environment Agency has expressed "sincere sympathies" but has still not apologised to those who have been flooded.

Residents have said the agency is responsible for the extent of the floods due to for not dredging rivers.

On the Somerset Levels I met with people who had experienced terrible weeks of flooding and was able to express my sincere sympathies; flooding has a dreadful impact on people’s lives and my heart goes out to them.

I have talked with residents about the future of the Somerset levels and how we can work together with partners to deal with the flooding.

Dredging will form part of the answer and work will commence as soon as safe to do so. In the meantime our pumps continue to operate 24/7 to drain water away.